Arlington Advances Project To Improve Stratton School Safety

ARLINGTON, MA — The town is seeking feedback on components of the Safe Routes to School project for the area near Stratton Elementary School following a public meeting on Nov. 10.

The project stems from a 2019 MassDOT grant to fund new sidewalks, sidewalk repairs and safe roadway crossings near the Stratton School. The updated project scope includes a fully accessible walking route along Hemlock Street between Brattle Street and Dickson Avenue, along Dickson between Hemlock and Mountain Avenue and along Mountain to Wheeler Lane.

The revised estimated project cost is $1,072,752. Design and construction will be funded by MassDOT, with construction funding available for federal fiscal year 2024.

Arlington is working with MassDOT's design consultant, Pare Corporation, as it develops the project through various stages of design to prepare for construction. Pare is seeking guidance on issues around tree and on-street parking impacts, sidewalk accessibility, project scope and length and location of pedestrian crossings.

Project goals are:

• Remove accessibility barriers by installing ADA-compliant curb ramps and repairing deficient sidewalks;
• Install new sidewalks to provide a safe and accessible walking path to and around the Stratton school;
• Narrow roadway intersections to slow vehicles and reduce pedestrian crossing distances;
• Provide safe pedestrian crossings at intersections where needed; and
• Install appropriate signage through the project corridor.

Residents are invited to view the project information page developed by MassDOT for this project and respond to a survey and submit comments by Friday, Nov. 19. People may register their email with MassDOT to view the project page and receive email updated on this project from MassDOT, or they may view the page anonymously. A survey and comment form are at the bottom of the project page.